History

The Tasmanian Government and Glenorchy City Council commissioned the Derwent Entertainment Centre in 1989 as a celebration of the 1988 bicentennial year. It was handed over to the Glenorchy City Council Mayor David Shields on the 14th of March, 1989.

The official opening of the DEC was a concert by international sensation Rick Astley, demonstrating that Tasmania now had the ability to host even the largest acts from around the world. The Astley Room is named in recognition of this ground breaking event.

The Tassie Devils Australian National Basketball League team called the DEC home from 1989 to 1996. During that time the DEC was always referred to as the “Devils’ Den” by sports commentators.

Regarded as Tasmania’s premier entertainment venue, the Centre has hosted concerts, conventions, exhibitions, dinners, trade shows, assemblies, sporting events, meetings and weddings to the delight of local and interstate audiences.

Holding 4,875 fully seated or 6,925 general admission the DEC is the largest capacity venue in Tasmania.

The Derwent Entertainment Centre is owned and managed by the Glenorchy City Council.